A Brain Bleed at 14: Surviving an AVM, Relearning Life, and Finding Purpose After Brain Injury

By: Kiley Como with Shane Smith Law

Most people think a headache is just a headache. Maybe you take some medicine, get some rest, and move on with your day. But for Trevor Turner, a seemingly ordinary headache at age 14 became the beginning of a life-changing medical emergency that nearly cost him his life.

In this episode of Mind Matters, Kiley Como sits down with Trevor Turner, brain injury survivor, advocate, and founder of Brain Talk and Brain Rebellion, to discuss surviving a ruptured arteriovenous malformation (AVM), months of recovery, and the lifelong lessons that followed.

When a Headache Becomes a Medical Emergency

Trevor was just 14 years old when he developed a severe headache that would not go away. Soon after, the entire left side of his body began tingling and feeling numb.

At first, it seemed like something that might pass. But when the symptoms worsened, his parents brought him to a doctor. During a simple neurological exam, Trevor was unable to perform basic coordination tests, and the physician immediately suspected a serious neurological event.

Within minutes, Trevor was in an ambulance headed to the hospital as his condition rapidly deteriorated.

Understanding AVMs and Brain Bleeds

Doctors eventually discovered that Trevor had suffered a rupture of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM).

An AVM is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins in the brain. Instead of blood flowing through tiny capillaries as it normally should, blood is redirected through fragile vessels that can eventually rupture.

When Trevor’s AVM burst, it caused a severe brain bleed that quickly became life-threatening.

His doctors warned his family that he might not survive the night.

A Month in a Medically Induced Coma

To manage the swelling and damage caused by the hemorrhage, Trevor was placed into a medically induced coma.

For approximately four weeks, doctors fought to stabilize his condition. During that time, his family faced unimaginable uncertainty, wondering if he would wake up and, if he did, what life would look like afterward.

When he finally emerged from the coma, recovery was only beginning.

The Long Road Through Rehabilitation

Like many severe brain injury survivors, Trevor had to relearn fundamental skills through intensive rehabilitation.

His recovery included:

Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Ongoing neurological treatment

As a teenager, one of the hardest parts was watching life continue without him.

While his friends were attending school, sports, and social events, Trevor was spending his days in therapy appointments, working to rebuild basic function.

A Second Brain Bleed

Just when it seemed things were moving forward, Trevor faced another devastating setback.

One year after his initial hemorrhage, the AVM bled again.

Several neurosurgeons declined to operate due to the location and complexity of the lesion. An experimental procedure was attempted but ultimately failed.

Eventually, a surgeon at the University of Michigan agreed to perform the operation that Trevor desperately needed. The surgery was successful, giving him another chance at recovery.

Returning to School After Brain Injury

Recovery involved much more than medical treatment.

Trevor had missed an entire year of high school and had to return as a freshman while many of his friends moved on to the next grade level.

For any teenager, social belonging is important. Brain injury can complicate that process dramatically.

Trevor describes the challenge of rebuilding friendships, reconnecting with peers, and learning how to navigate life as a different person than he was before the injury.

The “Silent Disease” of Brain Injury

One of the most powerful parts of Trevor’s story is his description of brain injury as a silent disease.

While many survivors may appear healthy on the outside, the internal struggles can be enormous.

These challenges often include:

Identity changes
Memory difficulties
Emotional struggles
Anxiety and depression
Fatigue
Cognitive overload

The invisible nature of these symptoms can make survivors feel misunderstood or isolated.

Finding Purpose Through Advocacy

Today, Trevor uses his experience to help others.

Through Brain Talk and Brain Rebellion, he provides support and education for:

Brain injury survivors
Family members
Caregivers
Professionals working with TBI patients

His mission is to help people understand that recovery is about more than physical healing. Mental health, identity, community, and purpose all play critical roles.

Lessons for Survivors and Families

Throughout the conversation, Trevor shares several powerful lessons:

Always Seek Additional Medical Opinions

If something feels wrong, do not be afraid to seek second or third opinions.

Do the Rehabilitation Work

The exercises prescribed by therapists may be difficult, repetitive, or frustrating, but they matter. Recovery often comes from consistent effort over time.

Prioritize Mental Health

Brain injuries affect far more than the physical body. Trevor encourages survivors to invest in mental wellness, whether through counseling, mindfulness, meditation, or support groups.

Stay Hopeful

Recovery is rarely linear, but progress is possible.

Final Thoughts

Trevor’s story is a reminder that life can change in an instant. A headache that seemed insignificant became a medical crisis that altered the course of his life.

Yet his story is also proof that survival is not the end of the journey. Through perseverance, rehabilitation, and purpose, it is possible to build a meaningful life after severe brain injury.

If you or a loved one is navigating the aftermath of a serious brain injury, support matters.

In pain, call Shane. 980-999-9999
Shane Smith Law is committed to helping injury victims navigate both the medical and legal challenges that follow life-changing accidents.